In a world racing toward the future, there are some who continue to cherish and preserve the past. Luxury Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York have joined hands to celebrate precisely that ethos—giving birth to the Artisan Residency Program, an initiative that merges old-world craftsmanship with contemporary expression.
Announced earlier this month, the 18-month residency is the result of a shared vision: to honour traditional artisanal techniques while nurturing a new generation of talent. The inaugural edition of this program is already making waves in both the horology and art worlds, thanks to its prestigious platform and the three talented artisans at its helm.
A Global Call For Craft
The program kicked off with a rigorous, invite-only selection process, calling upon artisans from across the globe whose practices uphold age-old craftsmanship. Out of this elite pool, three exceptional artists were selected to participate in a journey that spans both continents and centuries.
The residency officially began in June 2025, with a celebratory event on the 5th to honour the selected artisans. Over the next year and a half, these individuals will divide their time between The Met in New York and Vacheron Constantin’s headquarters in Geneva, drawing inspiration from the museum’s encyclopedic collection while learning from the Swiss maison’s master watchmakers.
Their creative journey will culminate in October 2026, with a presentation of newly created works at The Met—a moment that promises to fuse heritage, innovation, and global craftsmanship on one grand stage.
Meet The Artisans
Each of the three chosen artists brings with them a rich heritage of skill and storytelling.
Aspen Golann, an American furniture maker based in New Hampshire and educator at the Rhode Island School of Design, specializes in 17th- to 19th-century woodworking techniques. Her work engages deeply with history, labor, and gender, offering fresh narratives through traditional American furniture design and handcrafted objects.
Ibrahim Said, a ceramicist from Cairo, Egypt, hails from the historic pottery region of Fustat. Taught by his father, Said’s creations reinterpret ancient Egyptian ceramic forms with a futuristic sculptural twist—blending deep cultural roots with a sharp, modern eye.
Joy Harvey, a British-Italian jewelry designer trained as a chemist, represents the beautiful intersection of science and design. Based in Rimini, she co-founded La Luce, a sustainable jewelry studio that uses 100% fair-mined gold and traceable gemstones. Her aesthetic draws on Florentine and Armenian goldsmithing traditions, producing intricately crafted pieces that reflect heritage and responsible innovation.
Craft Meets Culture
Beyond celebrating individual talent, the Artisan Residency Program reflects a broader commitment from both The Met and Vacheron Constantin to the preservation and evolution of cultural heritage. It represents a rare opportunity to bring together artisans, curators, scientists, and master craftsmen across disciplines and borders.
“This initiative embodies our mutual commitment to artistic innovation and cultural dialogue,” said Max Hollein, director and CEO of The Met. “These artists are remarkably skilled practitioners who breathe new life into traditional techniques.”
Echoing that sentiment, Heidi Holder, chair of education at The Met, emphasized the importance of connecting history with modernity. “This residency offers artisans access to our collection, scholarly resources, and the expertise of our staff, allowing them to reimagine traditional craft knowledge for future generations.”
A Timeless Legacy
In many ways, this initiative is more than a residency—it’s a tribute to the enduring relevance of craft. At a time when digital quick fixes often replace slow, soulful workmanship, programs like these remind us of the irreplaceable value of human hands, stories, and heritage.
ALSO READ: Swiss Watches Set To Get Cheaper With India-EFTA Trade Agreement
With artisans like Golann, Said, and Harvey leading the way, and two powerful institutions backing their journey, the Artisan Residency Program sets a glowing example of how tradition can be both preserved and transformed—tick by meticulous tick.
